Gilgiti Traditional White Cap (Handmade, Woolen Cap with Feathers)

Gilgiti Cap

The traditional cap of Gilgit Baltistan has played a significant role in defining the identity of the people of these valleys. In almost all valleys of GB, men wear a traditional woolen cap called Gilgit Baltistan’s cap. It is famously known as Gilgiti Cap with feathers or plumes.

The traditional cap is a soft, round toped woolen hat. It is made by a local artisan and is available in various colors. Whitecaps are most popular in the region and are considered part of a formal local dress. People, especially the older generation, still wear their traditional caps with pride in many areas as it reflects a sign of honor.

Whether they are at home in a Bazar, at local celebrations, or place of worship, they prefer to wear the Gilgiti cap. They will have their different caps for work, a cap for formal dressing, and routine day-to-day business.

The Gilgiti white cap is available in the following colors.

• Brown (In stock)
• White
• Grey
• Black

The Gilgiti cap has different names in the major local languages. In Shina and Khowar languages, the cap is called Khoi, and in Burushaski, it is called Phartsun or Pharsen. And in Wakhi, it is called sekeed. The woolen cap with feathers design is slightly different in Baltistan so it is called Nating in Balti.

The feather/plume of  the White Cap

The most striking feature of the Gilgit cap is the peacock plume and the feather stuck in front or on the side of the cap. Because it gives an exquisite look to the cap. It is considered a part of the ceremonial dress cap and used in the groom’s dress.

Very little information about the history and significance of feather and peacock plumes on the Gilgiti cap is available. The feather in your cap term is an idiomatic phrase. It is derived from an old custom of certain warrior tribes. According to folk tales, in certain areas and tribes, the locals added a new feather to the worrier’s cap for every enemy slain.

A hunter was given the feather of the bird as an appreciation. These customs were practiced by modern North American indigenous people, Mongols, Turcomans, Austrian, Scottish, and Hungarians who traveled to Hunza for Hunting or Leisure. The feather in the Gilgiti cap is probably linked to those old customs of brave warriors and hunters.

Killing beautiful birds to get peacock plumes or feathers cannot be justified in this modern age. Instead, we use synthetic materials to make the plume and save the precious life of the birds.

The above photo is taken by Atif Kazmi. He posts as @kazmiexplores

Celebrities who wore the Gilgit Cap ❤

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